Whether you’re repping your Greek letters, planning a student org trip, or making memories with your HBCU family—HBCU Original curated the top amusement parks across the country organized by region for easy trip planning!

🔹 SOUTHEAST REGION

Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi

🎡 1. Walt Disney World – Orlando, FL

• Nearby: FAMU, Bethune-Cookman, Edward Waters

🎬 2. Universal Orlando – Orlando, FL

• Nearby: Same as above

🌊 3. Myrtle Waves Water Park – Myrtle Beach, SC

• Nearby: South Carolina State, Claflin, Allen University

🎢 4. Six Flags Over Georgia – Atlanta, GA

• Nearby: Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley State

🎠 5. Wild Adventures – Valdosta, GA

• Nearby: Albany State, Savannah State

🌀 6. Island H2O Water Park – Kissimmee, FL

• Nearby: FAMU, BCU

💦 7. Geyser Falls – Choctaw, MS

• Nearby: Jackson State, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley State

🔸 MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania

🎢 1. Six Flags America – Upper Marlboro, MD

• Nearby: Bowie State, Howard, Morgan State, Coppin State

🏰 2. Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, VA

• Nearby: Hampton University, Norfolk State

🎡 3. Kings Dominion – Doswell, VA

• Nearby: Virginia State, Virginia Union

🍫 4. Hersheypark – Hershey, PA

• Nearby: Cheyney University, Lincoln University (PA), Delaware State University

🔹 SOUTHWEST REGION

Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas

🎢 1. Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX

• Nearby: Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern, Huston-Tillotson

🎠 2. Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah, TX

• Nearby: Texas Southern University

🤠 3. Frontier City – Oklahoma City, OK

• Nearby: Langston University

🏖️ 4. Magic Springs Theme & Water Park – Hot Springs, AR

• Nearby: Philander Smith, Arkansas Baptist, UAPB

🔸 MIDWEST REGION

Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan

🎡 1. Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH

• Nearby: Central State, Wilberforce University

🎢 2. Six Flags St. Louis – Eureka, MO

• Nearby: Lincoln University (MO), Harris-Stowe State University

🔹 NORTHEAST REGION

New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts

🧀 1. Nickelodeon Universe – American Dream, East Rutherford, NJ

• Nearby: Lincoln (PA), Cheyney, Delaware State (road trip)

🎁 BONUS TRAVEL TIPS (from HBCU Original):

• 🎓 Look out for HBCU Day and College Nights at theme parks

• 🧳 Organize student group or alumni chapter rates early

• 📸 Don’t forget to tag your trip: #HBCUOriginalTravels #DivineNineOnTheMove #HBCUFamilyTrips

• 🎟️ Ask about Greek Discounts and Spring Break Specials

• 🚐 Perfect for student orgs, youth programs, and summer mentorship camps

By Mary Boyte | Mississippi Clarion Ledger | May 7, 2025

Jackson State University is once again facing leadership upheaval. President Marcus Thompson has officially resigned, becoming the second JSU president to step down in just two years.

The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) confirmed Thompson’s immediate resignation in a brief statement released Wednesday, May 7. No reason for his departure was given.

Thompson, the university’s ninth president in the past 15 years (including interim roles), leaves amid continued turbulence at Mississippi’s largest HBCU. His predecessor, Thomas K. Hudson, also resigned in 2023 following a faculty vote of no confidence and a period of administrative leave.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, has been appointed interim president.

A Controversial Appointment

Thompson’s path to the presidency sparked controversy from the beginning. Promoted internally by the IHL—where he previously served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer—his appointment bypassed the national search process. This decision drew criticism from JSU faculty and alumni who favored Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, the acting president at the time.

During the November 2023 IHL board meeting, Thompson’s appointment was made behind closed doors, followed by unannounced applause. It was only later revealed that he had been named the university’s 13th permanent president, despite not being one of the 79 official applicants.

That same day, JSU Chief of Staff Debra Mays-Jackson filed a federal lawsuit alleging sex discrimination after being denied an interview. She later filed a second suit in May 2024, claiming Title VII violations and stating that the IHL’s internal hiring practices have only benefited male candidates.

Court filings also alleged misconduct involving former president Hudson, including that he sent an explicit image to a female staff member. Mays-Jackson claimed that Thompson—despite being friends with Hudson—led the investigation but failed to interview the employee involved.

Thompson’s Perspective

In a February 2024 interview with the Clarion Ledger, Thompson defended his internal promotion, stating, “Every time an internal promotion has occurred, great things have happened.” He expressed no concerns about the appointment process or bypassing a national search.

Thompson’s resignation comes just days after JSU’s spring commencement.

His departure is another reminder of the challenges facing the university and the IHL’s presidential appointment process. Denise Jones Gregory now steps into the interim role as JSU prepares for another search—and possibly more scrutiny.

We gathered 25 of the most powerful, hype, soul-filled HBCU marching bands. Now it’s YOUR turn:
👇 Tag your school. Rep your squad. Drop your vote!

1. 💜 Miles College – Purple Marching Machine
   @purplemarchingmachine

2. ❤️ Clark Atlanta University – CAU Bands
   @caubands

3. 🔥 Jackson State – Sonic Boom of the South
   @sonicboom_ots

4. 💥 Alcorn State – Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite
   @alcorn_soundsofdynomite

5. 🐾 Bethune-Cookman – Marching Wildcats
   @bcumarchingwildcats

6. 🟡 Southern University – Human Jukebox
   @su_humanjukebox

7. 💙 NC A&T – Blue & Gold Marching Machine
   @b_gmm

8. 🧡 Virginia State – Trojan Explosion
   @vsutrojanexplosion

9. 🔸 Lincoln University – Orange Crush Marching Band
   @lu_ocmb

10. 🐎 Fayetteville State – Marching Bronco Xpress
    @thembxpress

11. 🧡 Langston University – Marching Pride
    @lumarchingpride

12. 🔥 SC State – Marching 101
    @scsumarching101band

13. 💛 Bowie State – Symphony of Soul
    @bowiestate_sos

14. 💧 Texas Southern – Ocean of Soul
    @tsuoceanofsoul

15. 🐅 Grambling State – World Famed Tiger Band
    @gsu_worldfamedband

16. 💜 Edward Waters – Triple Threat Band
    @ewutriplethreat

17. 🐏 Albany State – Marching Rams Show Band
    @themarchingramshowband

18. 💚 Norfolk State – Spartan Legion
    @nsuspartanlegion

19. 🐎 Kentucky State – Mighty Marching Thorobreds
    @ksumightyband

20. 💚 Mississippi Valley – Mean Green Marching Machine
    @mvsubands

21. 🔴 Winston-Salem State – Red Sea of Sound
    @_redseaofsound

22. 🎩 Tennessee State – Aristocrat of Bands
    @tsuaristocratofbands

23. 🐍 Florida A&M – Marching 100
    @themarching100

24. 🌪️ Prairie View A&M – Marching Storm
    @themarchingstorm

25. 🐝 Alabama State – Mighty Marching Hornets
    @the.mighty.marching.hornets

💬 Drop a 🥁 if your squad made the list!
📣 Tell us why YOUR band should take the crown.
🔥 SHARE to rep your section.

#HBCUBands #BattleoftheBands #MarchingSeason #HBCUPride #HumanJukebox #Marching100 #SonicBoom #CAUBands #AristocratsOfBands

April 23, 2025 | By HBCU Original

In a powerful and renewed commitment to uplift Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), President Donald J. Trump has signed a new Executive Order titled “White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” This bold move continues an ambitious agenda to empower HBCUs as national leaders in education, economic opportunity, and community transformation.

A New Chapter in Federal Support

The Executive Order affirms that HBCUs remain vital to the American story—serving as launchpads for generations of leaders in business, education, government, and beyond. President Trump’s directive not only builds upon his previous efforts but also strategically positions HBCUs at the forefront of shaping America’s future workforce.

“The path to prosperity begins with opportunity—and our HBCUs are the architects of that opportunity,” said President Trump in the official order. “This initiative reaffirms our commitment to making sure these institutions are equipped to thrive in a competitive global economy.”

The Vision: Excellence, Equity, and Empowerment

At the heart of the Executive Order lies a focused policy agenda to:

• Advance America’s full potential by investing in HBCU students and faculty.

• Enhance institutional capacity in technology, fiscal management, and infrastructure.

• Provide professional development in high-growth industries like healthcare, manufacturing, tech, and finance.

• Create pipelines from K–12 through college to career for Black students across the nation.

The White House Initiative on HBCUs

A major highlight of the order is the reestablishment of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, now housed in the Executive Office of the President. Led by a newly appointed Executive Director, this initiative will coordinate efforts between federal agencies, private-sector partners, foundations, and the academic community to elevate HBCU impact.

Two major missions drive the Initiative’s work:

1. Empowering institutions: Supporting financial health, technology upgrades, and academic infrastructure.

2. Serving students: Promoting career development, college affordability, retention, and degree attainment.

The President’s Board of Advisors

In collaboration with the Department of Education, the Initiative will be supported by a President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, composed of leaders in business, philanthropy, education, and innovation. This board will play a critical role in shaping federal strategies and ensuring accountability in advancing HBCU priorities.

A Roadmap to Implementation

Federal agencies are now mandated to participate in the Initiative, share information, and implement best practices to ensure the success of HBCUs. An annual White House Summit on HBCUs will serve as a touchpoint to assess progress, foster collaboration, and promote innovation.

Further, the Executive Director will issue a yearly progress report to the President, summarizing accomplishments, barriers, and recommended actions to keep HBCUs at the forefront of national development.

A Signal to the Nation

This Executive Order isn’t just a policy document—it’s a clarion call. A call for innovation, inclusion, and investment in Black excellence. It acknowledges that America’s greatness depends on how we uplift every community and how we honor the institutions that have always dared to dream bigger.

With this new vision from the White House, HBCUs are poised not only to continue their legacy but to expand their influence, grow their capacity, and lead us all toward a more equitable and empowered tomorrow.

🔗 Read the full Executive Order here: White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

#HBCUPride #ExecutiveOrder2025 #HBCUExcellence #InnovationStartsHere #TrumpHBCUInitiative

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been pillars of academic excellence and cultural legacy. Now, a powerful shift is happening across their athletic departments—former professional athletes are stepping into coaching roles, and their impact is being felt far beyond the scoreboard.

This is more than a trend—it’s a movement.

From the League to the Legacy

It all starts with the names we grew up watching under bright stadium lights—legends who are now pouring their experience back into Black institutions:

• Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, whose revolutionary run at Jackson State University reignited HBCU football’s relevance nationwide.

• DeSean Jackson, now playing a vital mentorship role at Delaware State University (DSU), equipping student-athletes with NFL insight and inspiration.

• Michael Vick, connecting with Norfolk State University (NSU) to provide leadership and national visibility.

And the list doesn’t stop there.

Former Pros Now Leading HBCU Programs

These elite athletes turned coaches are bringing championship mindsets, elite connections, and a deeper sense of purpose to HBCU sports programs:

🏀 Reggie Theus – Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Bethune-Cookman University. A former NBA All-Star, Theus is building a foundation of excellence both on and off the court.

🏀 Reggie Theus also recently brought visibility to Fisk University by supporting HBCU athletics through outreach and program development.

🏀 Cynthia Cooper-Dyke – Hall of Famer and WNBA legend, now Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Texas Southern University. Her championship pedigree sets a high standard for female athletes.

🏀 Juan Dixon – Former NBA player and NCAA champion, served as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Coppin State University, leading with passion and hometown pride.

🏈 Sean Gilbert – Former NFL Pro Bowler and now Head Football Coach at Livingstone College, bringing toughness and structure to the gridiron.

🏀 Laura Harper – Former WNBA player and NCAA champ, serving as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Coppin State University. She’s building a winning culture while mentoring strong, intelligent women.

🏀 Lindsey Hunter – Former NBA guard and champion, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Mississippi Valley State University, bringing pro-level standards to his squad.

🏀 George Lynch – Former NBA forward and UNC standout, now Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Clark Atlanta University. His leadership is helping student-athletes excel both athletically and academically.

🏀 Elaine Powell – Former WNBA star, now leading the charge as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Langston University. She’s creating fierce competitors on the hardwood.

🏈 Tyrone Wheatley – Former NFL running back and Michigan standout, now Head Football Coach at Morgan State University. Wheatley brings grit, leadership, and recruiting vision to the Bears.

🏀 Maurice “Mo” Williams – NBA Champion and now Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Alabama State University. Williams is building a powerhouse through player development and discipline.

Why This Matters

This influx of former pro athletes into HBCU coaching roles is transformative:

• Recruiting Power: High school athletes are more likely to choose HBCUs when coached by names they admire.

• National Attention: Media and sponsors are tuning in, bringing money, recognition, and momentum to Black college programs.

• Career Development: These coaches bring industry insight, guiding student-athletes on paths that extend far beyond the game.

• Cultural Upliftment: These leaders are restoring pride in HBCU athletics, rooted in community and excellence.

It’s Bigger Than the Game

These coaches aren’t just chasing championships—they’re shaping futures. They’re turning overlooked programs into powerhouses and giving Black athletes an opportunity to thrive within their own culture. They’re proving that HBCUs are not just a stepping stone, but a destination for greatness.

Their message is clear: You don’t have to go elsewhere to be seen, respected, or developed. You can do it right here—at an HBCU.

Final Word: Building Legacy Through Leadership

From Deion Sanders to Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Reggie Theus to Tyrone Wheatley, these former pros are rewriting the script for HBCU athletics. They’re not just coaching—they’re cultivating a culture of confidence, excellence, and possibility.

This is how we change the game.

This is how we invest in our future.

This is how we win.